Vick back in NFL’s focus

Commissioner Roger Goodell is beginning to focus on evaluating Michael Vick’s future in the NFL. That doesn’t mean a decision will come any time before the 2009 season begins in September.

Goodell said his decision on whether to reinstate the former Atlanta Falcons star quarterback, convicted on federal charges of running a dogfighting ring, will come “in due time.”

The Associated Press asked the commissioner during a telephone interview if he is seeing signs yet in Vick of remorse and contrition. Goodell has outlined those as prerequisites to possibly granting Vick’s wish to resume his career. He is currently suspended.

“No, we’re beginning to focus on evaluating the situation. I haven’t spoken to him,” Goodell said.

The commissioner said he won’t sit down with Vick until after the former quarterback is released July 20 from home confinement and federal custody.

“I haven’t given a timeline, other than after he’s concluded his legal” case, Goodell said.

The Falcons released him this month, less than five years after they signed the former Pro Bowl quarterback to a $130 million contract. Vick is free to sign with any NFL team, but none has stated it intends to offer him a chance to restart his career.

That includes the Seahawks, who are coached by Jim Mora, Vick’s former coach in Atlanta.

Brown played nine seasons with the Chicago Bears, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2005. He holds team records with seven defensive touchdowns and three fumble return TDs, and his four interception returns for touchdowns matches the team record.

Brown was a second-round draft pick out of Nebraska in 2000 and has appeared in 102 games, including two in the playoffs. He could compete with Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard for a starting spot or serve as their primary backup.

SEPARATE CASE: The man accused in the shooting death of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams will be in court to enter a plea in a separate murder case.

Willie Clark is charged along with two other men in the shooting death of Kalonniann Clark, a witness in an attempted murder case. Also charged in Clark’s death are Brian Hicks and Shun Birch.

They also were expected to enter pleas today.

Willie Clark was indicted on first-degree murder and 38 other counts in the New Year’s Day 2007 slaying of Williams.